Oregon quarterback Dante Moore was widely expected to return to Eugene for another season. That was the consensus among analysts, including longtime NFL Draft voice Todd McShay, until this week. The departure of Oregon offensive coordinator Will Stein to become the new head coach at Kentucky has suddenly thrown Moore’s future into uncertainty, and McShay now believes the calculus around Moore’s 2026 NFL Draft decision has changed.
For McShay, one of the biggest arguments for Moore returning was the stability of playing another year under Stein. The two clearly clicked at an elite level in their first season together. Now, Stein’s exit has created one of the most fascinating quarterback decisions of the upcoming draft cycle.
After Dante Moore’s Breakout Season Under Will Stein, Analyst Thinks 2026 Draft is a Possibility
Moore’s production this year tells the story of a quarterback rapidly ascending into NFL territory. In his first year as Oregon’s full-time starter, he posted a PFSN QB Impact Grade of 85.9, ranking 22nd among all quarterbacks nationally, while leading the Ducks to an 11–1 record and an offensive team impact grade of 86.7, the 10th-best mark in the country. The PFSN Big Board also lists Moore as the No. 4 overall prospect for the 2026 draft and the No. 1-ranked QB currently.
What made Moore’s season even more impressive was what he accomplished without a fully healthy supporting cast, as wide receiver Malik Benson moved in and out of the lineup and star freshman wide receiver Dakorien Moore missed most of the year.
Despite that, Moore remained one of the nation’s most efficient quarterbacks. His 72.5% completion rate ranked third in the country, and his 24-to-6 TD/INT ratio (a clean 4:1) showcased his blend of efficiency, ball security, and explosive playmaking. He rarely put the ball in harm’s way and still created downfield shots, traits NFL scouts covet.
It’s no surprise McShay originally viewed 2026 as another developmental season for Moore. But the landscape may be shifting.
In a recent segment, McShay hinted he’s rethinking Moore’s timeline: “Despite Dante Moore playing so well recently, I don’t think he’s ready yet either. But if one decides to come out (Moore or Ty Simpson) and Dante Moore’s playing really good ball, and you’re looking at a quarterback class this year that doesn’t have Arch, and doesn’t have Sayin, and doesn’t have LaNorris Sellers… it’s tough, and you’re saying it’s just Mendoza.”
McShay is simply implying that the 2026 quarterback class may be weaker than the 2027 class. If Moore enters now, he could take advantage of supply-and-demand dynamics at the most valuable position in football. Youth, tools, and upside often push quarterbacks up draft boards faster than expected, and Moore checks all three boxes. Mix in the fact that a new offensive coordinator is coming into Eugene, and Moore’s decision could be easier than most would think.
Oregon’s Playoff Run Could Be the Deciding Factor
Right now, speculation still leans toward Moore returning to school. Oregon remains in the College Football Playoff, and the expectation is that Moore will wait until the postseason concludes before assessing the landscape.
However, the circumstances have undeniably shifted. Offensive coordinator Will Stein is departing, the quarterback class could develop favorably for Moore, his draft stock is rising, and success on the playoff stage could generate momentum that would be difficult to ignore. If Moore delivers a standout performance in the CFP, the narrative surrounding his future could change dramatically.
Moore now stands at the crossroads of two promising paths. He could return to Oregon, play under a new offensive coordinator, and position himself to become a consensus top-five pick in the 2027 NFL Draft. Alternatively, he could enter the 2026 draft, capitalize on a comparatively weaker quarterback class, and potentially rise higher than analysts initially anticipated.
Either decision carries significant implications — not only for Moore’s career but also for Oregon’s post-Stein era. What once appeared to be a straightforward choice has quickly become one of the most compelling storylines of the upcoming college football offseason.
